Call centres are the beating heart of customer service operations—but they also happen to be energy-intensive environments. With long operating hours, large workforces, and endless screens and systems, the energy footprint of a call centre can quickly add up.
In this blog, we explore the average energy usage of call centres, what factors affect consumption, and how businesses in the UK can reduce costs and carbon output using smart technology and strategy.
Average Energy Usage of a Call Centre in the UK
On average, a medium-sized UK call centre (around 100 employees) can consume between 200,000 and 500,000 kWh of electricity per year.
Here’s a rough breakdown of what drives that usage:
| Energy Use | Estimated Share (%) |
|---|---|
| PCs, monitors, phones | 30–40% |
| Lighting (especially if 24/7) | 15–25% |
| Heating and air conditioning (HVAC) | 20–30% |
| Servers, IT infrastructure | 10–15% |
| Office equipment (printers, kettles, etc.) | 5–10% |
💡 A larger call centre operating 24/7 may exceed 1 million kWh annually—equivalent to the energy used by 250+ UK homes.
Key Factors That Affect Call Centre Energy Use
🕒 1. Operating Hours
Many call centres run 12–24 hours a day, including weekends, significantly increasing consumption compared to 9–5 offices.
💻 2. Number of Employees
More agents mean more screens, phones, and associated devices—all consuming power throughout the shift.
🌡️ 3. HVAC Demands
Climate control can account for up to a third of a call centre’s energy use, especially in large open-plan buildings.
💾 4. IT Infrastructure
Servers, data storage, and CRM platforms must remain online 24/7, adding to the always-on nature of energy use.
💡 5. Lighting
Bright, consistent lighting is needed for visibility and morale—particularly in internal or windowless workspaces.
How to Reduce Energy Costs in a Call Centre
At Scalex Technology, we help UK call centres and business operations save energy and improve sustainability. Here are our top strategies:
✅ Smart Metering & Monitoring
Gain real-time visibility of your energy usage and cost breakdown by device, floor, or shift.
→ Helps identify wasteful practices and times of peak demand.
💡 LED Lighting & Smart Controls
Switch to motion-activated, zoned LED lighting systems to reduce unnecessary usage in low-traffic areas.
🌡️ HVAC Efficiency
Upgrade to smart thermostats and automate your heating/cooling schedule based on shift patterns and occupancy.
🔌 PC and Device Management
Use software that powers down screens, monitors, and desk phones during breaks or overnight.
→ Avoid leaving 100+ PCs running idle after hours.
🧱 Building Insulation & Design
Improve insulation, window shading, or introduce smart blinds to reduce heating and cooling demand.
Smart Tech + Strategy = Big Savings
A typical UK call centre could cut its energy usage by 15–30% with the right upgrades and behavioural changes. That could mean:
- £10,000–£30,000 saved annually (based on average rates)
- A significant reduction in CO₂ emissions
- Improved compliance with SECR or ESOS schemes
How Scalex Technology Can Help
We specialise in helping energy-intensive businesses like call centres:
- Install smart meters and analytics platforms
- Develop energy reduction plans
- Source green energy contracts
- Navigate SECR and ESOS compliance
- Optimise energy across multiple sites
📞 Let’s Make Your Call Centre Smarter
Ready to reduce your call centre’s energy costs and carbon footprint?
Contact Scalex Technology today for a free energy audit or smart solution demo. Let’s turn high usage into high efficiency.
